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Crime Prevention

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Be Aware of Scams

updated: Tuesday, April 02, 2013

The St. Louis Park Police Department wants residents to be aware of various scams that are designed to swindle money and/or personal information. These can include lottery scams — in which people receive phony notices indicating they have won a sum of money — or other similar scam letters, which are often sent by email.

Scams can also be perpetrated by businesses when they offer various products and services. Here are some tips from the Police Department to avoid being the victim of a scam:
 
  • Do your homework when hiring a contractor, auto repair shop or other service in or out of the home. Contact the Better Business Bureau for information and ask for references from the company or facility representative.
  • Talk with family, friends and neighbors on who they may recommend for your specific need. Past experience shows this is a good way to locate a reputable contractor and/or repair facility.
  • Retain trusted contractor and/or repair facility information for future reference.
  • Be aware of door-to-door solicitors and contractors/handymen selling their services. Some may be legit; others may not. Solicitors need to obtain a license to sell door-to-door in St. Louis Park.
  • If unsure about recommended work, get a second opinion from another contractor and/or repair facility — you have that right as a consumer.
  • Read through contracts and have the person you are dealing with explain it thoroughly if you do not understand it before signing.
  • Never give cash as a down payment or to pay for the completed work. Paying by check or credit card will give you a running record of payment. Be wary of companies who do not accept anything for payment but cash.
  • Visit the MN State Attorney General’s Office website and the MN Department of Public Safety website for further information on lottery scams.
  • Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe you were the victim of a scam, you can call the police department's non-emergency line at (952) 924-2618.



Block Captains Wanted

updated: Monday, April 01, 2013

The St. Louis Park Police Department is recruiting interested citizens to become Block Captains. Are you unsure if your block is organized? Contact Community Outreach Officer Ken Sysko at (952) 924-2661 or email him at ksysko@stlouispark.org to see if your block is organized and for further information. Click here for more...


Give Smart in the Park

updated: Tuesday, April 30, 2013

We know St. Louis Park residents are generous, but did you know that handing out money to panhandlers can’t meet the long-term needs of those in need of assistance? The St. Louis Park Police Department is trained in the best practices for enforcement options for panhandling and what types of behavior our officers need to watch for, but at...


S.P.A.R.C. St. Louis Park Area Rental Coalition

updated: Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The coalition meets four times a year - January, April, July and October from noon to 1 p.m. at City Hall. The coalition meetings provide a valuable network opportunity for rental owners, managers and city staff. The Police, Inspections, Fire, and Community Development Departments provide regular updates to the members as well as more comprehensive...


Winter Safety Tips From St. Louis Park Police

updated: Friday, January 25, 2013

You can reduce your chances of being a theft from vehicle victim by following a few tips. Don’t leave laptops, GPS devices, cell phones, purses or other valuables in view. Lock items in your glove box, center console or trunk for safekeeping. This is especially important during the holidays as criminals often target shopping areas looking for...


Crime Prevention Tips

updated: Monday, April 08, 2013

There are numerous steps you can take to secure both your home and personal safety. Here are a few crime prevention pointers from the St. Louis Park Police Department.
 

Safety Handouts (PDF Files)  
Home Security  Child Safety 
Home Security Checklist 

Personal Safety Tips 

Prevent Identity Theft  Prevent Theft from Auto 
Prevent Business Burglaries  Prevent Garage Burglaries 
After School Safety Tips  Back to School Safety 
Questions to ask yourself before buying a home Burglar Alarm  Social Networking and Internet Safety Tips 
Mail Theft Prevention Tips  

Click here video on demand to watch a video on Home Safety: How to Prevent a Burglary

A burglar talks about how to make your home less likely to be targeted for a break in.

For additional information contact the St. Louis Park Police Department at (952) 924-2661 for more information.



Senior Citizen Safety Tips

updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Senior Citizens can unfortunately find themselves victim to a number of crimes, including fraud and other scams. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office provides a great deal of detailed information that can help protect you and your loved ones.

Click here to visit the site for information on the following topics:

  • The Real Deal on Reverse Mortgages
  • Reducing Junk Mail to Seniors
  • Annuities: Beware Unsuitable Investments to Seniors
  • Beware of Scams Targeting Grandparents
  • Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
  • Avoid Federal Stimulus Scams
  • Seniors Guide to Fighting Fraud
  • Beware of Unlicensed Health Plans
  • Consumer Tips on Propane Gas Costs
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Probate and Planning: A Guide to Planning for the Future
  • Managing Managed Care - Of Particular Note to Seniors
  • Sweepstakes Information
  • Avoid Investment Scams
  • Charities: Avoid Shams and Scams
  • Living Trust Mills

 



Crime Free Rental Housing

updated: Wednesday, May 22, 2013

This program for rental property owners and managers is designed to reduce the incidents of crime and disorder in rental housing. Phase one offers eight hours of training on tenant screening, lease addendum, evictions, etc. Phase two is a physical survey of the building to make sure it meets minimum security requirements such as deadbolt...


Door-to-Door Solicitors

updated: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Every year, the St. Louis Park Police Department responds to numerous calls regarding door-to-door solicitors. All solicitors including non-profit organizations are required to register with the City. There are many legitimate organizations that solicit door-to-door, either to sell products or services or to promote a religious, political, or charitable...


Is Your Address Visible on Your Home or Business?

updated: Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Every second counts when you're waiting for a fire truck or ambulance. Please help police and firefighters find your home or business quickly: make sure your address numbers are easy to read.

Address numbers must be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum width of 0.5 inches. These numbers must contrast with their background. Also, garages facing alleys are required to have visible address numbers with the same requirements as the primary buildings.

Please contact the Inspections Department at (952) 924-2588 with any questions.



Crime Prevention Fund

updated: Friday, February 08, 2013

The St. Louis Park Crime Prevention Fund has been a valuable asset to the department and the City since 1976. The Crime Prevention Fund is a private, non-profit corporation which is supported 100% by voluntary contributions. This Fund provides a crime tip line which pays cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution...


Rewards Available for Graffiti Tips

updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The St. Louis Park Police Department is offering up to a $250 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of individual(s) responsible for graffiti/vandalism.

If you have any information concerning the person(s) responsible, please call the St. Louis Park Crime Tip Line at (925) 924-2165.

Please listen to the entire message before leaving your name and telephone number. Personnel from the St. Louis Park Police Department will monitor the Crime Tip Line during regular business hours.
Information on Graffiti



More Links

Police Department
3015 Raleigh Ave. S.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone: (952) 924-2600 Email: info@stlouispark.org